Feliks Audio Euforia evo Review

Comparisons

This comparison part has 2 main sections: Vs Feliks Audio Euforia (original + AE) and Vs the competition. The latter section will look at the new Auris Audio HA2-SE+ ($2,399) and the award winning Cayin HA-3A ($1,599). The headphone used here is the Sennheiser HD660S2.

Euforia AE

The AE is sold out for the moment, but if you want to find but more about it, you can do so here:

The first thing you notice when switching to the AE, is how the AE is darker sounding. Second thing that hits you is that it delivers just a bit slower as well. The AE also delivers a full-bodied sound, with good extension on both ends, as well as a spacious presentation. The difference besides what I just said, is that the liveliness level is lower here. It’s not as energetic, sparkling, and clear sounding, even though all the detail is there as well. In fact, I feel the note extension and decay is best on the AE version. The AE has more low-end as the evo, and in return the top end sharpness and extension is better on the evo.

You can easily recognize the Feliks house sound in both amplifiers. Both amplifiers have good things going for them, and I still easily recommend the AE version as well. If I must make choice between both right now however, I am choosing the evo version for the energy, clarity, and top end extension.

Euforia original

Even though it’s no longer available, I want to compare these 2 versions to each other. You can find the full review of the original Euforia amplifier here:

The original Euforia sounds more like the evo, when comparing energy, liveliness, and speed. It doesn’t have a somewhat light darker presentation the AE has, but it’s more clear and lighter just like the evo version. The evo is smoother in the mids though, easily noticeable with vocals. That said, the original Euforia doesn’t perform as well as the AE or evo on a technical level. It’s not as extended, precise, and revealing. Body-wise the original Euforia is lighter and the layering from top to bottom isn’t as outspoken as on the AE or evo version.

I still like listening to the original evo, especially because of the easiness, clarity and speed this amplifier displays. But once you’re used to the technical excellence of the AE or evo – combined with the smoothness in the delivery – it’s difficult to keep going back to it. The evo to me combines the best of all 3 amps together: Energy, PRaT, precision, and smooth vocals

Auris Audio HA2-SE+

The HA2-SE+ is the real successor of the “old” HA2-SE we loved so much. In between Auris launched the HA2-SF, but we unfortunately never found it as charming as the original. I think Auris Audio feels the same as they now have updated the original design. The HA2-SE+ still uses 4 x PL95 tubes and 1 x ECC81 tube, so it’s completely different from the Euforia amplifiers. The HA2-SE+ also has an integrated impedance switch, which allows you to select 50/150/300/600 Ohm, depending on the headphone in use.

I have to say that the HD600S2 and HA2-SE+ synergy is excellent. You get a full bodied, but natural presentation, and everything is so effortless and realistic. Listening to Robert Plant and Alison Kraus is a pure pleasure to the ear. Lively, sublime vocals, spacious and realistic. It’s one heck of a combo. The evo is perhaps playing at a slightly higher technical level, with better extension and layering. The Auris amp however is excellent though when it comes to spaciousness and positioning. The vocals in the evo are somewhat more forward as well. I have to say that the technical differences between these amplifiers are not very huge. It comes down to personal preference here. Auris and Feliks Audio probably are 2 of the most popular brands in this segment of the market, and they both well deserve their place there.

Cayin HA-3A

We reviewed and awarded the Cayin HA3 back in August of 2022.

The HA-3A uses two 6V6 output tubes, two 12AU7/ECC82 driver tubes and one single 22DE4 rectifier tube, and as such is completely different in design as well (it also has an impedance selector). From a sound signature point of view, both amplifiers, just like the with the HA2-SE+, are not very far apart. I do have to admit that the HA-3A is the one with the least clean background, but once music is playing, it’s not an issue anymore.

With the HD660S2, the Cayin HA-3A amplifier is the slower one, but it has the smoothest and most tubey sound signature. The HA3-3A is the least lively, energetic, and fast but it’s smooth and that tube warmth makes the right music incredibly good. From a technical performance point of view, these amps are fairly on the same level. If you want the warmest, smoothest, and tubiest amplifier of those discussed in this article, the Cayin surely is the one for you.

End Words

I like how Feliks Audio keeps updating their product-line. The 3rd version of the Euforia amplifier isn’t just another update, it in fact brings a whole new tonal experience to the Euforia product range.

The Feliks Audio Euforia evo is simple in design, but it’s using top quality components on the in- and outside. Because of the minimal design philosophy, using the amplifier is easy and straightforward and the added XLR connector and larger volume wheel certainly help with this even more.

The Euforia evo is not a do-it-all amp if your collections of headphones features a lot of different driver types. The evo will perform best with high impedance dynamic driven headphone types, but it will pleasantly surprise you with some planar and other driver tech headphones as well.

The Euforia evo amplifier’s price tag isn’t the lightest, but I feel the asking price is fully justified for an OTL headphone amp + pre-amp of this calibre. Sound-wise there’s nothing bad to say at all, and the evo beautifully mixes a high technical level, with a good amount of body, dynamics, and musicality.

We can easily and fully recommend the Feliks Audio Euforia evo if you’re looking for a high performing OTL tube amp, and as such we’re giving it our Recommended Buy Award. The evo is now featured on our Best Buy list as well.

Pro

• Ease of use
• Pre-Amp
• Sound signature
• Connection options

Cons

• Price, even though justified looking at the performance
• Color (though that’s personal)
• Not for all driver types (hit or miss)

Page 1: Feliks Audio, Euforia evo, Tubes

Page 2: Box, Packaging & accessories, Design Lay-Out, Specifications, Sound Pt. 1

Page 3: Sound Headphone Synergy

Page 4: Comparisons, Conclusion